Finnish punk band with mental disabilities applies for Eurovision to raise awareness

Members of Finnish punk band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät (PKN), all of whom have mental disabilities, have applied to take part in the Eurovision song contest, in order to raise awareness for Down syndrome.

In order to compete in the Eurovision, the punk band still has to
win a national contest in Finland, which requires them to be
selected by TV viewers on February 7. The musicians told Sputnik news agency that they are hopeful and
excited about the contest.

“We still have a competition in Finland that we must win to
get to the Eurovision,” said the band's manager, Kalle
Pajamaa. PKN will be competing against 17 other contestants.

The band members – Pertti Kurikka (guitar), Kari Aalto (singer),
Sami Helle (bass), and Toni Välitalo (drums) – said they are
hopeful their performance will raise awareness of Down syndrome
and aid social programs for the mentally challenged.

“Pertti the guitarist for example is a big fan of Eurovision
contest. Their families are supportive as well as the fans. Even
the punk scene has been very supportive for the guys,”
Pajamaa said.

At the contest, the band plans to perform its song “Aina Mun
Pitää” (“Whenever I have to”).

PKN was formed in 2009 at a culture workshop arranged by Lyhty, a
non-profit organization which helps adults with intellectual
disabilities.

“The members of our band are four middle-aged, mentally
handicapped men. The music is, of course, Finnish punk,” the
bass guitarist said, as quoted by kovasikajuttu.fi. The subjects
of the band's lyrics range from social problems to unpleasant
pedicures.

In 2012, filmmakers Jukka Kärkkäinen and J-P Passi released a
documentary about the band called “The Punk Syndrome.”

“[The band] probably won’t take over the world, but it will
accomplish something a lot more important,” said Sami
Tenkanen, program manager for Finland's Radio Rock.

Eurovision is an annual European song competition held since
1956, and one of the longest-running TV programs in the world.
The winner of the popular song contest in 2014 was Thomas
Neuwirth, a 26-year-old Austrian singer who performs in drag as
Conchita Wurst.